6 Things for Car Lovers to do in Kentucky
Kentucky is the land of tobacco, horse-racing, bourbon, and, of course, basketball. But throughout the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State there’s plenty to do for car lovers who want to joyride through the Kentucky landscape or discover new automotive gems. If you’re ever driving through the Commonwealth or just finished your Kentucky driver education course, below are six things to do if you are an auto enthusiast.
1. National Corvette Museum
At the top of the list is the world-famous National Corvette Museum. Deep in the heart of Bowling Green, Kentucky, the museum features every Corvette that has been in production since 1953. It’s also home to the only Corvette factory in the world. Whether you’re a Corvette fanatic or looking for some American history, no trip through Kentucky is complete without a visit to the museum.
2. The Louisville Auto Show
Grab your family or friends and head out to the annual Louisville Auto Show held every February. There’s plenty to do for all ages and interests. You can drive a classic sports car on the NCM Motorsports Track. You should also take a stroll down Classic Car Boulevard where you’re likely to see many of the greatest muscle cars, sedans, trucks, and specialty vehicles of all time – over 125 cars, to be exact. Kids can drive mini-cars on the ‘test track’. There’s enough activities and exhibits to fill up the entire weekend.
3. Boone Creek Scenic Byway
The nine-mile stretch of Boone Creek Scenic Byway is among America’s most breathtaking and curvy roads. This highway located just outside of Lexington boasts limestone palisades, archaic stone fences, miles of horse farms, and natural waterfalls. Don’t forget to stop in at the Iroquois Hunt Club or the original Grimes Mill. You better have your driver education course complete, however, because, in between the curves and the hills, you’re in for quite a drive.
4. Kentucky Speedway
Located in Sparta, the Kentucky Speedway hosts 87,000 raving fans and is home to some of America’s most popular NASCAR and ARCA races. Among the most notable events are the Monster Energy NASCAR Series, the Firestone Indy Light Series, and the Camping World Truck Series. If you’re a fan of auto racing, the Kentucky Speedway is definitely a place to stop. Nothing beats the thrill of a high-energy motorsport.
5. Cruisin’ the Heartland
Cruisin’ the Heartland is more than just an auto event. It’s a walk down memory lane where you can enjoy the music, culture, and history of the 50’s and 60’s in downtown Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Classic cars, motorcycles, and pickup trucks line the streets along with vendors, street musicians, and plenty of old-fashioned southern cuisine. The event, which draws more visitors every year, takes place in July. There are lots of evening events planned, including a community dance.
6. Country Music Highway
If you’re driving down US 23 in the Appalachian Mountains, you’re in good company. This stretch of country road winds through 7 counties that are home to many of country music’s biggest legends. You’re likely to drive the home of Ricky Skaggs, Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless, Crystal Gail, and Billy Ray Cyrus, among other famed artists. Drop the top down, take in the beautiful Kentucky scenery, and turn up the radio!
No matter where you are driving in Kentucky, you’re bound to find attractions, events, and scenic highways that make being a car enthusiast even more fulfilling. There’s nothing quite like cruising the heartland in your automobile and enjoying the beauty of The Bluegrass State.